Native Plants for Wetland Areas
Best Natives for Wetlands
Wetland areas are unique ecosystems that require specific types of plants adapted to saturated soils, periodic flooding, and varying water levels. Native plants have a vital role in wetland restoration and conservation because they are adapted to local conditions, enhance biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife, and help to ensure long-term sustainability. Discover the species best for wetlands that intelligently cleanse, store and release water to maintain long-term ecological balance. For more info, contact us and we will help you develop a more specific species list to fit your site.
Brown Fox Sedge
Carex vulpinoidea
Height: 2-4’
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Moderate
Common Tussock Sedge
Carex stricta
Height: 2′
Bloom Time: 2-4′
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Wet
Mud Plantain
Alisma subcordatum
Height: 1-3′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: White
Soil: Wet
Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus
Height: 1-3′
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: Green
Soil: Wet
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Height: 3-6′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: Pink
Soil: Moderate
Southern Blue Flag
Iris virginica var. shrevei
Height: 2-4′
Bloom Time: May-July
Bloom Color: Blue
Soil: Moderate
Common Rush
Juncus effusus
Height: 1-3′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Moderate
River Bulrush
Schoenoplectus fluviatilis
Height: 3-10′
Bloom Time: June-July
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Wet
Great Bulrush
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
Height: 4-7′
Bloom Time: June-Aug
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Wet
Great Bur Reed
Sparganium eurycarpum
Height: 1-3′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Moderate
Common Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Height: 2-4′
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: White
Soil: Wet
Prairie Cordgrass
Spartina pectinata
Height: 5-9′
Bloom Time: July-Sept
Bloom Color: n/a
Soil: Moderate
Marsh Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Height: 2-5’
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: Violet
Soil: Moderate
Swamp Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
Height: 3-7’
Bloom Time: June-Sept
Bloom Color: White
Soil: Moderate
Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
Height: 1-3′
Bloom Time: April-June
Bloom Color: Yellow
Soil: Wet
Wetland Indicator Status Codes
Selecting the right type of plant for the job
Wetland natives are vital for biodiversity, protecting water quality and for general ecosystem regulation. Their extensive root systems act as anchors, ensuring the integrity of the landscape by preventing both erosion and flooding while nobly serving all surrounding life. Wetland species are ideal for use directly adjacent to the waterline of pond and stream shorelines where the soil remains saturated and the water level consistently fluctuates 1-2″.
Wetland Code
- OBL - Always occurs in a wetland
- UPL - Almost never occurs in a wetland
- FACW - Usually occurs in wetlands, sometimes in non-wetlands
- FAC - Occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Type
- DRY - Almost never occurs in a wetland
- MODERATE - Occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
- WET - Always occurs in a wetland
Native Plants for Wetland Areas FAQ
How do native wetland plants help improve water quality?
Native wetland plants help improve water quality in several ways:
Filtration: Their dense root systems trap pollutants, such as sediments, heavy metals, and excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), preventing them from reaching larger water bodies.
Nutrient uptake: Wetland plants absorb excess nutrients from water, reducing the likelihood of nutrient pollution, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and dead zones in lakes and rivers.
Sediment control: The roots of wetland plants help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and trapping sediments before they flow downstream.
How do I plant and establish native plants in a wetland area?
There are many ways to establish native plants in a wetland area but selecting plants that can tolerate varying water levels will help ensure the successful establishment of native vegetation